Engine knocking/rattling noise
Pulled the cams out, and checked crankshaft runout. Everything looks great in there, no signs of metallic debris at all. Even though the lifters look fine to me I'm still suspect. I'm going to put it back together with new lifters and cross my fingers...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
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From: Indiana, USA
If it is value add, I purchased and run Screamin Eagle Lifters in my '03 with no issues. They are quiet, don't float, and seem to be working well. Visible difference was the cam follower pin diameter a little larger.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
Likes: 2,606
From: san antonio
Check the inner cam bearings closely as well. Visually inspect them and also "feel" test them by inserting a finger in the bearing and rolling them around to see if you can feel roughness or looseness; check the surface of the cam end that rides in the bearings as well.
If you don't find anything in the cam chest that might be the source of the noise, I would question whether or not you have correctly identified the cam chest as the source of the noise; could it be coming from the primary? Identifying the source of a noise while riding, with or without a helmet, is tricky. JMHO.
I did test the inner cam bearings and the lifters as described. Seem nice and smooth. I can't justify to myself not replacing the lifters, so I ordered a set of S&S to install, if the noise is still there at least I'll know for sure its not the lifters.
And I agree that maybe the noise isn't actually from the cam chest area. I was able to hear it rattling under idle off the bike and it definitely sounded like it was coming from behind the timing cover. Really couldn't hear it at all on the primary side, but was very obvious on the exhaust side. I know how noises can travel through. And its hard to chase a noise on a noisy v-twin with loud exhaust.
Should be able to get it back together this weekend. If the lifters don't fix it...worst case I wasted some time and have an extra set of 'B' lifters.
And I agree that maybe the noise isn't actually from the cam chest area. I was able to hear it rattling under idle off the bike and it definitely sounded like it was coming from behind the timing cover. Really couldn't hear it at all on the primary side, but was very obvious on the exhaust side. I know how noises can travel through. And its hard to chase a noise on a noisy v-twin with loud exhaust.
Should be able to get it back together this weekend. If the lifters don't fix it...worst case I wasted some time and have an extra set of 'B' lifters.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
Be sure to look closely at the back side of the cam support plate in the oil pump area. If any debris is in the pump or went through it will score the back of the aluminum plate where the gearotor rubs
Feels smooth to the finger, and if I run a pick over it, it doesn't catch. Same with the brass bushing.
Last edited by Reindeer; Apr 16, 2015 at 02:12 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Oxford, Nc
I've had the GM lifters in mine for the last 30,000 miles and I detect no difference from the expensive 'Black Ops' lifters that they replaced.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
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From: san antonio
Notice the difference in the piddle valve opening in the GM lifter vs the Harley B lifter? Harley lifter will pass more oil to top end. Not trashing the GM lifter, just saying I prefer lifters manufactured to H-D specs; each to his own.